Richard Avolin Browder, Sr. was born July 29, 1940, in Belzoni, MS, the son of Clarence Benjamin Browder and Lucy Browder (nee Thompson). After spending their early years in Mississippi, the family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1943 where little sister Frances Gevota Browder was born. Richard attended Eastern High School, where he participated in activities such as marching band and ROTC.

After graduating high school in 1957, Richard served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1961. Military service introduced new challenges and opportunities to this quiet young man. During basic training in Texas, Richard and his fellow recruits with Southern roots were dismayed to learn that the army basic training complex didn’t include grits as a breakfast option during that time. Richard learned to “make do” by adding butter, salt, and pepper to cream of wheat; he was delighted to graduate from basic training and leave cream of wheat behind for good.

During his military service, Richard traveled to Europe. Crossing the Atlantic in a military transport ship was no easy feat due to his propensity for seasickness; Richard was relieved to arrive safely in Germany. In Germany, he delved into the art of photography. He enjoyed spending his time off seeing the local sites and exploring unfamiliar surroundings, taking beautiful photographs along the way. Local people welcomed this quiet stranger, sometimes misidentifying Richard as “Joe Louis” with great excitement and delight.

The late 1950s saw the beginnings of future changes to come in the United States. As society moved to less racially segregated norms, the US military also moved. Richard was selected for one the first integrated training cohorts for Radio Operators – a great honor and source of pride. He diligently worked to master Morse code alongside his peers from different backgrounds, racial and otherwise.

Richard received an honorable discharge in 1961 and began his civilian life back home in Detroit. He attended The Lewis College of Business prior to joining the Detroit Police department in 1963, integrating Detroit’s 15th Precinct being the first and only Black officer at that time.

Shortly thereafter, in 1964, Richard was introduced to Miss Elna Marie Payne, also of Detroit. In short order, the pair realized their mutual admiration and love for each other, and they were married on May 9, 1964. The young couple was thrilled to welcome Crystal Renee to their small family in 1966. Richard Jr. was born in 1967 and early in 1968, Richard & Elna moved their family to Windsor, Ontario where Frances Cecile, and finally, Camile Marie were born.

With this move came a change in career for Richard, who found employment with Chrysler Corporation, where he started as a Sergeant in Plant Security. Richard was promoted several times to positions of Captain of Security and Fire Chief. His willingness to learn new things enabled his transition to these new positions. For the final several years of his employment, Richard was on the Audit Team that traveled the country inspecting systems and safety processes. He loved being on this team and enjoyed these trips with his colleagues. He retired as Administrator of Security & Fire Prevention in 1996.

Following retirement, Richard and his adored Elna embarked on a new phase in their lives, enjoying travel and leisure built upon their many years of hard work and dedication. Their travels took them to Hawaii, Florida, Aruba & California. Richard and Elna loved the adventure of traveling and became experts at navigating the ins and outs of airports, car rental agencies, hotels, and finding Walmart.

While more recent years posed challenges due to various health problems, Richard's spirit remained unbroken. His commitment to his friends and family was similarly unwavering; he kept close contact from his home in Waterford through texting and email. He relished trips with his son Richard for breakfast (where proper grits were served). He was deeply grateful for the loving care and daily emotional and physical support provided by his daughter Crystal. Her strength and caring reflected his diligence and love toward others. It showed him how much he was loved and made his final days happy. Richard passed away at home on January 24, 2022.

Richard is survived by his dear partner in life, Elna Marie Browder of Waterford, MI. Surviving children are Crystal Renee Browder-Conner, Richard Avolin Browder Jr. (Lavonda), Frances Cecile Browder, and Camille Marie Browder. His beloved grandchildren are Ms. Adrienne Frames (Glen), Ms. Rachel VanPutten (Raymond), Marcus Armstrong, and David Browder. The apple of his eye, Adrianna Frames, is his great-granddaughter.

He is predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Lucy, and his beloved sisters, Illa Faye Browder & Frances Browder, late of Detroit MI.





I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
Psalms 122:1